Team news

Harry Redknapp has problems in central defence as he prepares the squad for the Wembley Cup.

Harry Redknapp has problems in central defence as he prepares the squad for the Wembley Cup.

Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Dawson and Ledley King are all out for the matches against Barcelona on Friday and Celtic on Sunday.

And the bad news is that 'Daws' is a doubt for the start of the Barclays Premier League season after damaging his Achilles in last week's friendly against AFC Bournemouth.

Harry reported on Thursday: "Jonathan Woodgate has flown out to America to see a specialist about his groin and Ledley hasn't kicked a ball yet this season, so it is not looking great on that front at the moment.

"All three central defenders are struggling for the start of the season in all honesty so it is not an ideal situation."

The injuries mean Dorian Dervite is likely to get a chance to impress while Vedran Corluka and Tom Huddlestone can also fill the void.

Harry added: "Dorian returned from a serious knee injury, went on loan at Southend last season and did well.

"He's had a good pre-season so far and we'll see how he goes in the tournament.

"Tom and Vedran can also play there but all of a sudden we're not overloaded with genuine central defenders."

Harry also revealed that strikers Roman Pavlyuchenko (thigh) and Robbie Keane (groin) were doubtful and midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is out with the hamstring injury that forced him off at Peterborough on Tuesday.

David Bentley, meanwhile, is back in training after sustaining a dead leg at Bournemouth.